City Council
City Council Meeting
Official files
Action Agenda
City of Roanoke, Virginia
ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL
ROANOKE CITY SCHOOL BOARD
September 8, 2026 9:00 AM
William B. Robertson Administration Building 201 Campbell Avenue SW
AGENDA
The City of Roanoke is a safe, caring and economically vibrant community in which to live, learn, work, play and prosper. A vibrant urban center with strong neighborhoods set amongst the spectacular beauty of Virginia's Blue Ridge.
NOTICE:
Today's City Council meetings will not be televised live, but will be replayed on RVTV Channel 3 on Thursdays at 7:00 pm, and Saturdays from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm; and video streamed through YouTube Live at youtube.com/RoanokeVa. Council meetings are offered with closed captioning for the deaf or hard of hearing.
CALL TO ORDER - ROLL CALL.
City Council - All present. Council Member Sanchez-Jones arrived late.
Roanoke City School Board - All present.
WELCOME AND OPENING REMARKS:
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/COMMENTS BY THE CITY COUNCIL/SCHOOL BOARD
TRUSTEES.
Opening Reflection
Opening of Schools Prelude
RCPS Budget Report from RCPS CFO
RCPS and City of Roanoke Capital Realities Overview 1% Sales Tax Referendum: Overview and Discussion
City Council/School Board Buddy System
RECESS/ADJOURN - 10: 55 a.m.
LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE MEETING SCHEDULED FOR 9:00 am, AT THE
CONCLUSION OF THE JOINT MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL AND ROANOKE CITY
SCHOOL BOARD. (10:58 am - 11:55 am)
THE COUNCIL MEETING RECONVENED IN THE WILLIAM B. ROBERTSON
BUILDING, TO CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING ITEMS FOR ACTION:
A communication from Mayor Joseph L. Cobb requesting that the Council convene in a Closed Meeting to discuss vacancies on certain authorities, boards, commissions and committees appointed by the Council, pursuant to Section 2.2- 3711 (A)(1), Code of Virginia (1950), as amended.
(7-0)
• Architectural Review Board
• City Planning Commission
• Roanoke Arts Commission
• Board of Zoning Appeals
• Economic Development Authority
• Fair Housing Board
• Gun Violence Prevention Commission
• Human Services Advisory Board
• Roanoke Neighborhood Advocates
• Roanoke Public Library Board
• Towing Advisory Board
A communication from Mayor Joseph L. Cobb requesting that Council convene in a
Closed Meeting to discuss the Council’s Code of Conduct and Ethics, and a personnel matter, pursuant to Section 2.2-3711 (A)(1), Code of Virginia (1950), as amended.
(7-0)
A communication from the City Attorney requesting that City Council convene in a closed meeting to consult with legal counsel pertaining to actual litigation regarding potential settlement, where such consultation or briefing in an open meeting would adversely affect the negotiating or litigating posture of the public body, pursuant to
Section 2.2-3711 (A)(7), Code of Virginia, as amended.
(7-0)
A communication from the City Attorney requesting that City Council convene in a closed meeting to consult with legal counsel regarding a certain legal matter requiring the provision of legal advice by the City Attorney concerning a code amendment, pursuant to Section 2.2-3711 (A)(8), Code of Virginia, (1950), as amended.
(7-0)
A communication from the City Attorney requesting that City Council convene in a closed meeting for the purpose of discussing possible acquisition of property in the
Northeast part of the City, where discussion in an open meeting would adversely affect the bargaining position or negotiating strategy of the public body, pursuant to
Section 2.2-3711 (A)(3), Code of Virginia, (1950), as amended.
(7-0)
A communication from the City Manager requesting that City Council convene in a closed meeting to consult with legal counsel regarding a certain legal matter requiring the provision of legal advice by the City Attorney concerning a prospective business or industry or the expansion of an existing business or industry where no previous announcement has been made of the business’ or industry’s interest in locating or expanding its facilities in a regional park in which the City is a partner, pursuant to Section 2.2-3711 (A)(5), Code of Virginia, (1950), as amended.
(7-0)
A communication from the City Attorney requesting that City Council convene in a Closed Meeting for discussion or consideration of the acquisition of real property for a public purpose in the Southwest part of the City, where discussion in an open meeting would adversely affect the bargaining position or negotiating strategy of the public body, pursuant to Section 2.2-3711 (A)(3),
Code of Virginia (1950), as amended.
(7-0)
Topics for discussion by the Mayor and Members of City Council. None.
Items listed on the 2:00 pm City Council docket requiring discussion/clarification and addition/deletions to the 2:00 pm agenda. None.
BRIEFINGS: None.
AT 12:01 p.m., THE COUNCIL MEETING RECESSED FOR A CLOSED MEETING;
AND THEREAFTER RECONVENED AT 2:00 pm, IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER,
ROOM 450, NOEL C. TAYLOR MUNICIPAL BUILDING.
City of Roanoke, Virginia
CITY COUNCIL 2:00 pm
City Council Chamber 215 Church Avenue, SW
1. CALL TO ORDER - ROLL CALL
All present. Mayor Cobb asked for a Moment of Silence in observance of the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attack on the United States of America. The Invocation was delivered by The Reverend Joanna Paysour, Pastor, Greene Memorial United Methodist Church. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America was led by Mayor Joseph L. Cobb. Welcome
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
2. PRESENTATIONS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Mayor Cobb advised that, going forward, the 2:00 pm meeting would begin with the Council Members providing "shout-outs" or announcing community events recently attended. The Council Members made the following announcements:
Council Member Powers “shouted out” the Friends of Mountain View and the fundraising event to be hosted every first Thursday of the month featuring music acts, etc, to raise money for needed repairs to the Fishburn home.
Council Member Volosin “shouted out” America Works and the local labor union who put on the Labor Day Parade in downtown Roanoke.
Council Member Nash "shouted-out" the Festival of India, which was a great success, and all the festivals across the City that celebrate the culture of Roanoke.
Council Member Sanchez-Jones “shouted out” the Noble Neighborhood Association for their great event and the organizers of the Labor Day Parade held in downtown Roanoke on Saturday, September 5.
Council Member Hagen "shouted out" Mayor Cobb on the State of the City Address and commended him for giving a speech at 7:30 am and having a sold-out event. He also acknowledged the Bear Theater for wrapping up another great season.
Mayor Cobb “shouted out” Overdose Awareness Day and noted that it was the third year he presented a Proclamation at the Taubman Museum of Art. He noted that the event was an opportunity for the community to come together in remembrance of those who died from an overdose.
Presentation by the Virginia Tech Foundation on the RoVA Labs facility. Elizabeth McClanahan, Chief Executive Officer, Virginia Tech Foundation, Inc., and President, Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center, Inc., presented a reimbursement check to the City of Roanoke and advised that the partnership has been very meaningful and impactful.
3. HEARING OF CITIZENS UPON PUBLIC MATTERS
3 residents spoke during public comment. Read the official record.
4. CONSENT AGENDA
(APPROVED 7-0)
Minutes of the regular meetings of City Council held on Friday, July 24, 2026, Monday, August 3, 2026; and Monday, August 17, 2026.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Dispensed with the reading of the minutes and approved as recorded.
A communication from the City Clerk advising of the resignation of Nicole M. Dempah as a member of the City Planning Commission, effective August 7, 2026.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Accepted the resignation and received and filed the communication.
Reports of qualification of the following individuals:
Thomas Carr and Karen Michalski-Karney as members of the Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority for four-year terms of office, each, commencing September 1, 2026, and ending August 31, 2030; and Cassy Ammen as a member of the Roanoke Public Library Board for a three-year term of office, commencing July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2029.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Received and filed.
REGULAR AGENDA:
5. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
6. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Acceptance and Appropriation of Funding for a Drug Prosecutor. Adopted Ordinance No. 43459-090826. (7-0)
7. REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS AND THE CITY MANAGER
City Manager:
BRIEFINGS:
Davenport Plan of Finance 2026 General Obligation Bonds — 15 minutes. 2026 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report - 15 minutes. Planning, Building and Development Assessment — 15 minutes. July Monthly Budget Report - 15 minutes.
ITEMS RECOMMENDED FOR ACTION:
Authorization to Request Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Transportation Alternatives (TA) Program Funds – Salem Turnpike 36th Street to Westwood Boulevard. Adopted Resolution No. 43460-090826. (7-0)
Acceptance and Appropriation of the Fiscal Year 2027 Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Annual Street Payments for the City of Roanoke. Adopted Ordinance No. 43461-090826. (7-0)
Authorization to Accept and Rescind Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Revenue Sharing and Execution of Agreements for Multiple Projects. Adopted Ordinance No. 43462-090826. (7-0)
Acceptance and Allocation of a Cost-of-Living Adjustment from the Virginia Department of Social Services. Adopted Ordinance No. 43463-090826. (7-0)
Acceptance and Allocation of Funding for the Pay Band Salary Increase for Family Services Specialists from the Virginia Department of Social Services. Adopted Ordinance No. 43464-090826. (7-0)
Acceptance and Allocation of a One-Time Bonus from the Virginia Department of Social Services. Adopted Ordinance No. 43465-090826. (7-0)
Authorization of the acquisition of any real property rights needed to purchase the former Ole Monterey Golf Course. Adopted Ordinance No. 43466-090826. (7-0)
COMMENTS OF THE CITY MANAGER.
The City Manager shared the following comments:
On September 2 and 3, I had the opportunity to bring our department directors together for a two-day leadership retreat at RoVa Labs. It was a great opportunity to step away from our day-to-day work, strengthen our leadership as a team, share perspectives, and focus on how we can continue working together to deliver the best possible services to our community.
The Wasena Bridge Replacement project is now approximately 95% complete, with the contractor focused on the final bridge and roadway improvements. We’re excited to see this project nearing completion and look forward to reopening the bridge and reconnecting the Wasena and Old Southwest neighborhoods in the coming weeks.
September is National Preparedness Month, and our Emergency Management and Stormwater teams are working together to help residents be ready for emergencies and severe weather. Throughout the month, staff will be sharing preparedness tips and connecting with the community to encourage everyone to sign up for emergency alerts, understand their risks, build an emergency kit, and have a plan.
CITY ATTORNEY:
Code Amendment Briefing (Section 2-316, Youth Athletics Review Board) — 10 minutes.
DIRECTOR OF REAL ESTATE VALUATION:
Real Estate Update - 15 minutes.
8. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
A report of the Roanoke City School Board requesting appropriation of funds for various educational programs; and a report of the City Manager recommending that City Council concur in the request. Adopted Budget Ordinance No. 43467-090826. (5-0, due to a Conflict of Interest, Vice-Mayor McGuire and Council Member Sanchez-Jones abstained from the vote.)
Comments on certain Authorities, Boards, Committees and Commissions in which City Council serve as liaisons or appointees. None.
9. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None.
10. INTRODUCTION AND CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
None.
11. MOTIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
Inquiries and/or comments by the Mayor and Members of City Council. None.
Vacancies on certain authorities, boards, commissions and committees appointed by Council. None.
12. At 4:19 p.m., the Council Meeting was declared in recess for continuation of Closed Meeting, in the Council Conference Room.
13. At 5:06 p.m., the Council Meeting reconvened in the City Council Chamber.
Certification of Closed Meeting. (7-0)
14. ADJOURNED - 5:07 p.m.
Change history
- STAR(city)GAZER began tracking this meeting: Fri, Oct 23, 2026.
Source
City of Roanoke, CivicClerk: this meeting on the official portal.